The Dirt on DiapersIf you’re expectant parents weighing the pros and cons of using cloth and disposable diapers, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to clear up some of the diaper myths and provide some practical advice to help you develop a diapering system. It was a decision for our family that required a great deal of thought, and we know how important it is to feel supported, no matter which method you choose. You deserve to know the facts about diapering, the obstacles you’ll face and how to overcome them. No method is perfect but with a little guidance, you can make a choice that feels right for you and your family.
Disposable diapers are without a doubt, the most convenient of the diapering choices. It is for this quality alone that so many parents choose this method over cloth. When a baby needs changing, one can simply peel the adhesive tabs, remove the diaper, roll it up and toss it in the garbage. That was easy! Of course, nothing is ever that simple. As your baby will go through an estimated five to seven thousand diapers, it is not difficult to grasp the huge environmental impact of the energy and raw materials used in disposable diapers, not to mention the obvious waste.
The materials used to make disposable diapers not only pose a threat to the environment, but may also affect your baby’s long- term health. Conventional disposables have an outer layer of waterproof polypropylene and an inner layer made from wood pulp and super-absorbent polyacrylate, the same culprit responsible for toxic shock syndrome in tampons. The diapers also contain perfumes, and are bleached to achieve a blinding shade of white, a process through which dioxins and furans are released into the atmosphere. Sadly, when you consider the impact of disposables on the environment, they don’t seem quite so convenient after all.
This is not to say that cloth diapers are completely innocent. They too come with their own environmental baggage, albeit carry-on baggage by comparison. Most cloth diapers are made from pesticide-laden cotton and use water, detergents, and in some cases bleach in the cleaning process. Still, from an environmental perspective cloth is the greener choice by a long shot. For parents washing their own cloth diapers at home, the water use amounts to little more than three extra loads of laundry per week. A drop in the bucket. Another benefit to using cloth diapers is the soft and breathable nature of cotton on a baby’s sensitive skin. This ventilation helps evaporate potentially irritating ammonia that forms when a baby wets, and the result is fewer cases of diaper rash. It has also been reported that cloth diapered babies toilet train much sooner than their disposable-wearing counterparts.
Cloth diapering takes a little getting used to, but like anything, once it becomes a habit, it can be easily managed. For parents opting to use a diaper service, most of the details are taken care of for you. You need only toss soiled diapers in a pail and wait for them to be picked up. The cost of using a service varies, but an average estimate is around $25.00 a week, more or less the same as using disposables.
Parents who sign up for the DIY method have a little more work to do in the beginning. First, it requires extensive research into the diapers and accessories available. The cost varies greatly, depending on your choices, and it can be a huge expense to cover in the beginning. Rest assured, it will shortly pay itself off and certainly beats the ongoing costs of disposables. For materials, some of your choices may include conventional cotton, organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo fibers. There are various styles availabe, and you can choose between all-in one diapers with adjustable velcro tabs or snap fasteners, or the cost efficient pre-folds and flat diapers (origami lesson not included). We recommend you visit a shop that carries many styles and meet with their staff for a consultation. They will usually suggest you purchase 2 or 3 dozen diapers and three or four diaper covers to start with. Depending on your preferences and budget, expect to spend between $500.00 and $1000.00 for cloth diapers and accessories. Some diapers will have to be replaced as your infant grows, while other styles can be used until toilet training. Other cloth diapering accessories include biodegradable diaper liners, cloth wipes, and doublers.
Next, DIYers have to decide on a cleaning system. Parents who wash diapers more frequently may opt to use a dry pail or waterproof laundry bag in which to place soiled diapers. It’s always advisable to spray with vinegar/baking soda solution before putting them in, to help with unpleasant odors. Stained diapers may also need to be scrubbed with a little soap or stain remover to make sure stains don’t set. We use Ecover stain remover because a convenient little brush is built into the top to help with scrubbing. If you’re using a dry or wet pail, make sure it comes with a lid that locks in place to keep your baby’s exploring hands out!
While you’ll feel good about using cloth diapers and quickly develop a well-organized system, the reality is that you will change diapers more often. There is no super absorbent gel in a cloth diaper and once a baby is wet, he will feel wet. When our baby started sleeping longer stretches in the night, we opted to put him in a disposable to help him get more solid, uninterrupted sleep. It is also a good idea to have disposables on hand for excursions and outings, where you may not have the time or inclination to deal with soiled cloth diapers. Some more eco-friendly disposable brands include Seventh Generation and Whole Foods’ 365 brand. Keep in mind, these diapers may not have undergone the bleaching process but they still contain super absorbent poly-acrylate. As of last month, Tushies was the only brand of disposable on the market made of biodegradable materials. However, to add to your many choices is the newly available gDiaper, a cloth/disposable hybrid that you can flush, compost, or toss away.
Whether you end up using disposable diapers, cloth, or a combination of both, coming to a decision requires a great deal of thoughtful consideration. It’s important to research the topic carefully and decide what is most important for you and your family. We've been there too! If you have any specific questions about diapering, be sure to post your queries or comments on our Moms Forums.
-- Sarah Simpson
posted 05.15.08 |
